Thursday, January 22, 2009

My second go

Thanks for the comments! I was kind of encouraged by my first attempt so tried to get a little more expressive and creative. I used this photo (which I love!):

I wanted to capture the laughter and the whole sisterly moment. I first did this and really enjoyed doing it and was really pleased with the result:

Then I decided I needed to at least add the pillow to give some explanation of the way the girls' bodies were leaning back, and to try and make them pop more. Do you like it better before the pillow or after? Not that I could change it - it's watercolor, it's not going anywhere.
By the way, the photos of the painting is taken in horribly nasty yellow light. So it is just on stark white watercolor paper, without the sepia tone. Any suggestions? I kind of feel like it needed the pillow but I don't quite feel like I did the pillow how I should have. I don't know how to explain - just that I'm afraid that the pillow, with the way I did it, takes away from the girls when I meant it to emphasize them. Should I submit this one for the contest? Does it need something changed? Que piensan?

11 comments:

shaun said...

WOW!!! I didn't see the first one until just now when I saw this one and they are both great, but this one with both girls is AMAZING. Can you do one of Preston?

Vixie said...

I really like the one with both girls, with or without the pillow. You are a great artist. I don't think you should go back to the Italy scenes, keep up the work on people and things closer to you.

Mandy said...

I like them both too . . . maybe if you are worried about the pillow taking away from the girls it could be in a less bold color? I think it looks great though!

Anna-Kare said...

I thought the pillow added to the picture. It's a great picture. I hope you don't have any more thoughts of giving up on this line of painting.

Raina said...

Wow! I REALLY like these ones. Choosing between them is really hard though. I think my first thought is w/o the pillow. I don't know why... but I imagine them being anywhere ...although, the pillow does make them stand out.
another fantastic job!

Bobbi said...

Both Brad and I loved this when we saw it last night--you are incredible!!! I think I like the one with the pillow better, it is AMAZING that you can capture their laughing with water colors--I love it!! We would pay you to do one of us!!! Let us know if you ever start taking orders! I am being serious!

Jen said...

I definitely love the pillow. You totally captured it. Maybe I need to hire you to do my kids now before you are totally famous and expensive. I think you should enter the one with both girls, and I agree with Vixie, stick with the things you love, especially if it makes you happy, because you can definitely pull it off. I am amazed by your many talents!

Mel said...

Hi--It's Gramma Karen, Melanie's mom. I'm a mural artist, and I think you are very good! I have taken a lot of classes, and taught some, too, so here's my feedback: Remember light source, light source, light source! Lights and DARK darks really make a painting POP! Have you ever noticed Walter Raine's work in the Ensign's? He is incredibly gifted in his lights and darks in paintings. Your drawing is right on (correct shapes and angles), and I think some deeper values will really make your paintings come to life! On the 1st painting, yes, the left eye was a little off in the shape of her eye, but you had to look real hard to notice it. Lets talk more art while I'm in town! (Till Feb 17th) Good work!

Lyndsey said...

I just want to say that Jenelle looks buff in this. Love this one. I think that you should defiantly put this one in the contest. Love that I have an artist that I actually know!

Anonymous said...

Bopa and Nana think they look marvelous.

Hannah said...

I love the sisterly moment! Really, if this is your first stab at painting children, I am really impressed. I think you're right that the pillow gives context to their position. Really, I love it!